NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2020 Acura RDX Safety Ratings
The 2020 Acura RDX scores 82 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 338 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
For 2020, the Acura RDX achieved a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. This score represents a one-point decrease from the 2019 model year. The vehicle's crash-test profile is capable, yet the presence of five NHTSA recalls indicates areas requiring attention. The 2020 RDX presents a solid, but not unblemished, safety record.
The 2020 Acura RDX received a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100 and an overall 5-star NHTSA crash-test rating, based on federal NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 107 SUVs from 2020 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2020 Acura RDX ranks 57 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 82 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 15% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 338 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 57 of 107 SUVs tested for 2020 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2020 Acura RDX?
The 2020 Acura RDX sits one point below its 2019 predecessor, slipping from 83 to 82 on the NHTSA Safety Index while remaining firmly in the Strong band. The decline traces directly to the defect-record sub-score, which contributes only 11 out of a possible 20 points, reflecting the weight of five active recall campaigns on this model year. Crash protection, at 61 out of 70, and avoidance technology, a perfect 10 out of 10, demonstrate that the vehicle's engineered safety architecture holds up well. The full suite of standard crash-avoidance features, including forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control, supports that maximum avoidance score. The side-impact 5-star result is the standout crash figure, while the 4-star frontal and rollover scores, alongside a 15-percent rollover risk, are competent without being exceptional. The two air bag occupant-classification sensor recalls are particularly notable because they span multiple model years and affect a safety-critical restraint function. For a 2020 specifically, the combination of a strong crash profile and a recall load that pulls down the overall index is the defining safety story of this year.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2020 Acura RDX perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Acura RDX achieved an overall 5 out of 5 stars from NHTSA, with its side-impact performance standing out as a particular strength, earning a perfect 5-star rating. Frontal crash protection and rollover resistance each received 4 out of 5 stars. The rollover risk for the RDX is assessed at 15 percent, with dynamic tip testing confirming a No Tip result.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 14143
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2020 Acura RDX have any recalls?
The 2020 Acura RDX carries five NHTSA recall campaigns. Two target the front-passenger occupant classification sensor in the air bag system, one covers a fuel pump delivery fault shared across a broad Honda and Acura lineup, one addresses a front seat belt buckle assembly, and one is a separate earlier fuel pump recall. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the data provided, but owners should verify remedy status by VIN.
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER26V332000
Risk: Air bags that deploy unintentionally during a crash increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 7, 2026. Owners may contact Honda's customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are BOL, WO9, OOA, WOM, XOH, NOC, POD, BOE, UOF, POB, EOG, AOI, QO8, TOJ, DO7, and SOK. This recall expands previous NHTSA recall number 24V064. Vehicle Identification Numbers (VINs) involve
Reported 2026-05-21
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER24V064000
Risk: An air bag that deploys unintentionally during a crash can increase the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seat weight sensors, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed March 28, 2024. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for these recalls are XHP and VHQ.
Reported 2024-02-01
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP23V858000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the fuel pump module, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 6, 2024. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are KGC and KGD. This recall is an expansion of NHTSA recall numbers 21V-215 and 20V-314.
Reported 2023-12-18
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY23V158000
Risk: An unlatched seat belt cannot properly restrain the seat occupant during a crash, increasing their risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the driver and front passenger seat belt buckle release buttons or the buckle assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed April 18, 2023. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Honda's numbers for this recall are NDA, QDB, BDC, MDD, LD9. TDF, FDG, ODH, YDI, ZDE.
Reported 2023-03-09
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP21V215000
Risk: Fuel pump failure can cause an engine stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Honda will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed May 18, 2021. Owners may contact Honda customer service at 1-888-234-2138. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-314.
Reported 2021-03-25
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2020 Acura RDX?
NHTSA has logged 338 unverified owner complaints for the 2020 RDX. The top alleged problem areas are Unknown or Other issues (100 reports), Visibility and Wipers (83), and Engine concerns (51). All figures are unverified consumer allegations, not established defects.
338 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2020 Acura RDX?
With five recall campaigns on record, confirming completed remedies for the 2020 RDX is the single most important safety step for this model year. Any shopper considering a used 2020 RDX should run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup before purchase.
- The 2020 RDX Safety Index dropped one point to 82 compared to the 2019 model year, with the defect-record sub-score of 11 out of 20 reflecting the burden of five active recall campaigns specific to this generation.
- Two separate recall campaigns target the front-passenger air bag occupant classification sensor on this model year, a safety-critical system that determines whether the passenger air bag deploys, making remedy verification essential.
- NHTSA's crash tests gave the 2020 RDX a perfect 5-star side-impact rating, but frontal and rollover protection each came in at 4 stars, with a measured rollover risk of 15 percent.
- Unverified owner complaints total 338, with Visibility and Wiper issues the second-most-reported category at 83 allegations, a pattern worth noting when inspecting any specific used example of this model year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2020 Acura RDX places
The 2020 Acura RDX qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2020 Acura RDX safety questions
Was the 2020 Acura RDX crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2020 Acura RDX, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 82 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2020 Acura RDX crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2020 Acura RDX earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 15%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2020 Acura RDX have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2020 Acura RDX. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2020 Acura RDX?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 338 owner complaints are on file for the 2020 Acura RDX. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other RDX years
Rivals in SUV (2020)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Infiniti Qx50 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 2 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-3 | 94/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2020 Mazda CX-30 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 3 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T5 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T6 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2020 Volvo Xc90 T8 | 93/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 14143), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Acura RDX 2020.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 57 of 107 in the SUV class for 2020.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.